Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini says that Cristiano Ronaldo could never have been a problem for Manchester United.
Former Manchester City boss Pellegrini is preparing to bring his side to Old Trafford tomorrow night for the first leg of the Europa League last 16 clash.
Ahead of the game, he did an interview with the Guardian, where he said he did not see the connection between Ronaldo’s exit and United’s good form before Sunday’s Anfield aberration.
Pellegrini signed Ronaldo for Real Madrid from United, managing him in 35 games in 2009/10, where the forward scored 33 goals and laid on 11 assists, as per Transfermarkt.
Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini praises Cristiano Ronaldo
Asked about Ronaldo, he said: “Ronaldo’s presence is never a problem, because of his commitment, professionalism, ability, dedication, what he transmits.
“A new coach came, investment was made, changes. That’s not easy. It’s a process, not about a player. Ten Hag has a trophy now, his style fits. Hopefully things go well now – after this game.”
Whether Pellegrini’s judgement is clouded by his working relationship with Ronaldo, his City connections or mind games before the match, he has got this one wrong.
Ronaldo’s presence was a real issue for United, dominating every press conference and preventing other players from shining even as his own contribution dwindled.
It is debatable that Marcus Rashford would have caught fire in the same way if Ronaldo was still in the side, dominating the ball.
In any case, Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan was a huge problem for United and he had to be shown the exit door after that.
The explosive nature of it did actually help United, clarifying the situation, ensuring there was no way back and paving the way for the ‘mutual agreement’ over his departure in November.
But if Ronaldo was still the force Pellegrini describes, a club in Europe would have signed him as a free agent and he would not have been forced to go to Saudi Arabia.